§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what considerations he has given to the methods available for dealing with serious repeat offenders; and if he will make a statement. [65639]
§ Mr. McLeishWe are committed to taking all reasonable steps to protect the public from serious repeat offenders, many of whom may suffer from personality disorders. We have therefore decided to establish a committee to review the sentencing and treatment of serious violent and sexual offenders, including those with personality disorders, in Scotland. I am delighted that the hon. Lord MacLean, who is a Senator of the College of Justice, has accepted the Secretary of State's invitation to act as chairman of the committee. It will have the following terms of reference
To consider experience in Scotland and elsewhere and to make proposals for the sentencing disposals for, and the future management and treatment of, serious sexual and violent offenders who may present a continuing danger to the public. In particular:to consider whether the current legislative framework matches the present level of knowledge of the subject, provides the courts with an appropriate range of options and affords the general public adequate protection from those offenders;to compare practice, diagnosis and treatment with that elsewhere, to build on current expertise and research to inform the development of a medical protocol to respond to the needs of personality disordered offenders;to specify the services required by this group of offenders and the means of delivery;to consider the question of release/discharge into the community and service needs in the community for supervising those offenders.The membership of the Committee and its arrangements for taking evidence will be announced later.